To the editor: The recent editorial discussing the changes to PARCC testing said that we have to “wait and see whether other changes will be made in the future.” I couldn’t disagree more. Waiting and seeing won’t get us very far when there are huge financial gains to be made by private companies in the…

About 100 Bristol-Warren students have opted out of taking PARCC tests, which could have a significant impact on two schools’ “commended” classification, Superintendent Mario Andrade said. The 100 students represent 5 percent of the roughly 2,000 students scheduled to take the test. While that might not sound like a lot — and it is significantly…

To the editor: Many of the articles that we read about teachers and our school system are often written by the public devaluing their importance. As parents of three children who are at each level of our schools, we have had the incredible fortune of being provided with educators who deserve this letter of gratitude.…

To the editor: There was a time when America was the shining star of the world. Industry was booming. Most had jobs. The American dream was alive! America was on top in education. Why? Because teachers were allowed to teach creatively and openly to whatever the current situation required as far as what was best for the…

PORTSMOUTH — The School Department received 77 “opt-out” requests from families of students who refused to take the PARCC test beginning March 16, Assistant Superintendent Thomas W. Kenworthy told the School Committee Tuesday night. PARCC (Partnership for Assessments of Readiness for College and Careers) is the new state assessment test that began this year. Rhode Island…

PORTSMOUTH — Although the school district had no formal provision in place for parents to have their children opt out of the PARCC assessments that began this week, Assistant Superintendent Thomas W. Kenworthy confirmed that a “handful” of pupils refused to take the test. On Monday the district began the first round of PARCC (Partnership for…

PORTSMOUTH — Although the school district has no formal provision for parents to have their children opt out of the PARCC assessments beginning next week, Assistant Superintendent Thomas W. Kenworthy Friday said he expects a “handful” of pupils will refuse to take the test. On Monday, March 16, the district will begin the first round of…

Aware that some parents are opposed to the PARCC tests, Superintendent Mario Andrade said he will meet with each parent who objects to the test so they are not misinformed. “In Bristol Warren, it’s our expectation that you’ll take there testing,” Mr. Andrade said. “It’s a moral obligation to collect data. Public education is for…

Touted by Bristol Warren school administrators as a better way to “collect the data to inform us how to instruct your children,” Superintendent Mario Andrade and Assistant Superintendent Diane Sanna pitched what they see as the benefits of the latest student performance testing. At a forum organized by school committee member Erin Schofield, an audience…

EAST PROVIDENCE — Parents with reservations about submitting their children to PARCC testing still have time to opt out, Superintendent Kim Mercer said at the Tuesday night, March 10, East Providence School Committee meeting. Students and teachers have been prepping for the assessments, which are scheduled to take place the school week of March 16.…